Freelance Design Manager - Water Sector (Non-Infrastructure Wastewater)
Location: West Midlands (Hybrid - 3 days on site, 2 days remote)
Framework: Severn Trent Water - AMP7 & AMP8

Position Summary:
An opportunity has arisen for a Freelance Design Manager to support the delivery of non-infrastructure wastewater projects within the Severn Trent AMP7 and AMP8 Capital Programmes. This hybrid role involves working from site offices (currently based in Barston) three days a week, with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining two.

The ideal professional will bring experience from the water sector-particularly within non-infrastructure wastewater-and demonstrate expertise in one or more disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Civils. A proactive and collaborative approach is essential, with a focus on delivering production-efficient and low-carbon design solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Define design scope and deliverables at project initiation

Manage and challenge design programmes to ensure effective delivery

Oversee production, coordination, and control of design deliverables

Manage and log all design changes and their impacts

Promote and drive DfMA (Design for Manufacture & Assembly) and carbon-efficient design solutions

Facilitate regular design meetings covering briefing, progress tracking, and coordination

Lead workshops focusing on buildability, carbon reduction, and DfMA principles

Coordinate design reviews, technical assurance checks, and CDM compliance reviews

Implement and manage BIM strategy in line with ISO 19650

Support the Principal Designer in fulfilling CDM 2015 responsibilities

Stay current with relevant health and safety legislation and design standards

Collaborate with key project stakeholders including delivery, commercial, and design teams, along with supply chain partners

Actively contribute to procurement decisions and support the technical assurance of work packages

Requirements:

HNC/HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Progressing towards (or already holding) Chartered status with a relevant institution

Full UK driving licence

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Solid technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and associated assets

Commercial and contractual awareness to support project delivery

Understanding of project planning and programme management

Knowledge of CDM 2015 Regulations and their practical application

Proven track record in delivering multi-disciplinary design and/or construction projects